1
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
the army post's stern commander always had the utmost respect of those who served under him
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
a stern receptionist took our names without even looking up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stern
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
These adults are headed by Kevin Earley, who early on makes for a starchy rather than stern Captain.
—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2026
In the Titanic’s final minutes, its stern rose out of the water, and the ship broke apart.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Adjective
Firth is chilling, pushing his stern, fiercely intelligent demeanor in increasingly sinister directions and bringing nuance and gravity to the lengths Scanlon will go to fulfill his mandate, whatever the cost.
—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2026
These adults are headed by Kevin Earley, who early on makes for a starchy rather than stern Captain.
—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
Noun
The new 82-footer is not only the largest model in the Italian yard’s popular Fly series, but also the first of the flybridge motor yachts to feature Azimut’s trademark Deck2Deck terrace, resulting in a large alfresco entertaining space at the stern.
—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2026
In the Titanic’s final minutes, its stern rose out of the water, and the ship broke apart.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stern
Adjective
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California has strict fireworks laws because of the combination of fire danger and population, Berlant said.
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In whatever role, expect Teng to be on a strict innings limit and pitch count for his next few outings at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Adjective
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Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.
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But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
Noun
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Ohashi competed on the balance beam and floor exercise at Saturday’s competition, beginning her effort on beam.
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Ensure your vehicle is visible to others by using low-beam headlights, which also activate your taillights.
Adjective
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Plant magnolias somewhere they will be protected from harsh winds, especially when buds or flowers are developing.
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Most clarifying shampoos tend to be a little harsh and drying, but this one is gentle and nourishing.
Adjective
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The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
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For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
Adjective
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In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.
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Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.
Adjective
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The tragedy marks the first deaths for the US Wildland Fire Service, a grim milestone for the new federal agency, which launched in January to coordinate firefighting efforts on public land.
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While that’s a grim statistic, change is possible.
Adjective
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MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
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The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
Cite this Entry
“Stern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stern. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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